FILMING ON TENNESSEE STATE PROPERTY
Planning to film on property owned by the State of Tennessee?
Productions may need permission from both the state agency that controls the property and coordination through the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC).
Unlike a standard city film permit, there isn't one universal permit that automatically grants access to every state-owned location.
START WITH THE TENNESSEE ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
The Tennessee Entertainment Commission helps productions navigate filming throughout the state, including coordinating permits for productions using state properties.
If you're interested in a state-owned building, facility, historic site or other government property, TEC is a good place to start.
TENNESSEE ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
WHO CONTROLS THE PROPERTY?
Different state properties are managed by different agencies.
Depending on your location, approval could involve an agency overseeing:
State office buildings
Historic properties
State parks
Roads and highways
Agricultural facilities
Universities
Correctional facilities
Other state-owned land or buildings
The agency responsible for the property may have its own rules, fees, insurance requirements and approval process.
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT WHO OWNS A STATE PROPERTY?
Tennessee maintains a searchable State-Owned Land Dashboard that can be useful when researching ownership.
The database allows you to search state-owned property by address, city, county, parcel and other information. It also identifies the Agency of Jurisdiction responsible for a property.
TENNESSEE STATE-OWNED LAND DASHBOARD
This can be particularly useful during location scouting when you're unsure which state agency needs to be contacted.
WHAT WILL A PRODUCTION NEED?
Requirements vary by property, but productions should be prepared to provide information such as:
Production company + contact information
Project description
Requested location
Shoot dates + hours
Crew and talent size
Equipment
Production vehicles
Parking requirements
Insurance
Special effects or unusual activity
Prep + wrap requirements
Intended use of the property
Additional restrictions may apply to historic buildings, sensitive facilities or locations that remain operational during filming.
STATE PARKS ARE DIFFERENT
If you're interested in filming in a Tennessee State Park, don't assume the same process applies as other state-owned property.
Start with Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Entertainment Commission to determine what permissions apply to your particular production and location.
STATE ROADS + HIGHWAYS
Filming on a state-controlled road or highway can involve the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
Driving shots, lane closures, traffic control and equipment within state right-of-way may require additional coordination.
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HISTORIC STATE PROPERTY
Historic properties can have additional restrictions intended to protect buildings, landscapes and archaeological resources.
For example, Tennessee Historical Commission requirements for state historic sites call for advance written approval before filming and coordination with the Tennessee Film Commission.
Productions should be especially upfront about equipment, set dressing, alterations, ground disturbance and other activity that could affect a historic property.
PLAN EARLY
State-owned locations can require coordination between multiple agencies, so give yourself more lead time than you might for a straightforward private location.
Before locking the location, determine:
Who owns the property?
Which agency manages it?
Does that agency allow commercial filming?
What insurance or fees are required?
Are additional state or local permits involved?
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
TENNESSEE ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
TENNESSEE STATE-OWNED LAND DASHBOARD